Best lakes around Acquarossa are situated within the Blenio Valley, a region characterized by its mountainous landscape and historical significance. The area features a mix of natural and artificial lakes, often nestled near high alpine passes. These bodies of water are integral to the local geography, providing points of interest amidst the rugged terrain. The region offers opportunities to explore both natural and man-made water features.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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The tunnel is over 800 meters long. A narrow footpath runs alongside the narrow road through the tunnel. The tunnel is well lit, so a flashlight or headlamp isn't necessary.
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Scenic pass that is opened all year round (closes at 6pm in winter). There is hardly any traffic which makes cycling very nice and plenty of opportunities to take pictures. We crossed the pass in early May when there was still plenty of snow up there. The change in scenery where it was all green at Disentis and slowly turning white as we climbed higher... and very quickly turned to green as we rolled down on the south side to Biasca was breathtaking.
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The Lucomagno is one of the most famous Alpine passes in Switzerland. It is located between the cantons of Ticino and Grisons, at an altitude of 1,926 meters. The name seems to derive from the Latin "locus magnus", meaning "large, open place". It is often tackled in the professional race of the Tour of Switzerland.
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Lukmanier Pass When the Disentis monastery was founded around 720, the Lukmanier Pass, which could be crossed without great difficulty and was also considerably lower than the other passes in the Alps, became very important. During the Staufer period, it was considered the most important north-south connection to Italy. However, it quickly lost this role to the Gotthard and Splügen passes. In 1374, the Disentis monastery built the "Hospezi S. Maria" with a chapel on the top of the pass. Both had to make way for the construction of the reservoir in 1964. The new hospice at the current location was inaugurated on August 1, 1965 and the chapel in 1967. The Lukmanier Pass played an important role in the choice of the route of an Alpine railway at times, because the planners assumed that it would be possible to build it without an expensive summit tunnel. In 1869, however, the decision was made in favor of the Gotthard railway. Between 1872 and 1877, a modern road was built over the Lukmanier. With the construction of the "Lai da Sontga Maria" reservoir in the 1960s, the road on the Graubünden side had to be relocated to a gallery. The importance of a supra-regional transport axis ended with the opening of the motorway tunnel through the Gotthard. Tourism in the Surselva began to suffer greatly as a result, especially as the pass was closed during the winter from 1980 onwards. On the initiative of the municipality of Disentis and the Surselva mountain railways in particular, the "Pro Lucmagn" association was founded, which has been responsible for ensuring that the Lukmanier pass remains open for as long as possible in winter since 2005. The canton, district, municipalities and tourism in both Graubünden and Ticino provide the finances. The five-year trial phase was positive. This project has been secured for the long term since 2011. Clearly to the benefit of tourism in the Surselva as well as in the Blenio Valley. Text / Source: Interest Group for Alpine Passes IAP, PO Box 11, 6491 Realp https://www.alpen-paesse.ch/de/alpenpaesse/lukmanierpass/
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Lake Carassina is an artificial lake at 1,705 meters above sea level in a side valley of the Blenio. It is fed by various mountain streams and exploited to produce hydroelectric energy. The scenery of the surrounding mountains is breathtaking.
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Lake Luzzone is located in the upper Blenio valley at 1590 meters above sea level. It is an artificial basin originating from a 225 meter high dam and completed in 1963.
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The Lukmanier Pass is located at almost 2,000 m above sea level between the Swiss cantons of Ticino and Grisons. It can be reached by crossing the Blenio valley which is the sunniest of the Swiss ones, therefore called "Valle del Sole".
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Yes, several lakes and areas around Acquarossa are suitable for families. Both Lukmanier Pass and Lago di Luzzone and Luzzone Dam are noted as family-friendly. For easy walks, you can explore routes like the 'From Motto to Malvaglia – loop tour' or the 'Acquarossa Thermal Springs – Acquarossa loop' which are part of the Easy hikes around Acquarossa guide.
Many areas around the lakes in Acquarossa are dog-friendly. Specifically, Lukmanier Pass and Lago di Luzzone and Luzzone Dam are highlighted as suitable for visitors with dogs.
The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the mountain passes are open and the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. While the Lukmanier Pass summit is now kept open for as long as possible in winter, many routes and facilities around the lakes are more accessible in the snow-free season.
While the guide doesn't explicitly mention designated wild swimming spots, the region's natural and artificial lakes, especially those at higher altitudes like Lake Carassina, offer pristine mountain water. Always exercise caution and check local regulations before swimming in natural bodies of water.
The region is rich in history, particularly around the mountain passes. The Lukmanier Pass summit was historically a crucial north-south connection to Italy. It played a significant role in trade and travel, and even in discussions for an Alpine railway. The area around the pass also features historical sites and structures, reflecting its past importance.
The lakes around Acquarossa are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like the 'Blenio - Lucomagno Route' or 'From Acquarossa to the Luzzone Dam – loop tour' from the Road Cycling Routes around Acquarossa guide. For hiking, there are options ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes, including routes near Lake Carassina, as detailed in the Mountain Hikes around Acquarossa guide.
While specific circular walks directly around every lake aren't detailed, many hiking routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the 'From Dangio to the Luzzone Dam – loop tour' for road cycling, or various hiking loops in the Easy hikes around Acquarossa guide, often incorporate lake views or pass by water features.
Public transport access varies. For Lago di Luzzone and Luzzone Dam, there is a bus stop near the tunnel leading to the dam. It's advisable to check bus schedules, especially for more remote locations, as services might be seasonal or less frequent. The Lago di Luzzone Tunnel and Bus Stop highlight provides information on bus services to the Luzzone area.
For breathtaking scenery during a hike, Lake Carassina offers stunning views of the western Alps and brilliant sunrises/sunsets. The area around Lukmanier Pass summit is also known for its beautiful landscapes and relatively low traffic, making it a scenic choice for exploration.
While specific cafes directly at every lake are not listed, the region, particularly around popular passes like Lukmanier Pass, often has hospices or mountain huts that offer refreshments. The hospitality at places like Adula UTOE near Lake Carassina is noted as super friendly, helpful, and personable.
The Lago di Luzzone and Luzzone Dam is unique for its impressive 225-meter high dam, completed in 1963. It's also well-known in the climbing world, as experienced climbers can conquer the dam wall on a via ferrata, offering a truly distinctive experience.
The hiking difficulty varies significantly. You can find easy walks suitable for beginners and families, as highlighted in the Easy hikes around Acquarossa guide. However, many routes leading to or around the higher alpine lakes, such as Lake Carassina, are rated as intermediate or challenging, often involving significant elevation gain and rugged terrain, as seen in the Mountain Hikes around Acquarossa guide.


Still not found your perfect lake around Acquarossa? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.